Lancashire Police urge people to play their part in saving lives

And today Chief Con Andy Rhodes reminded people that the police, with the help of our communities, have a vital part to play.

Over the last week, local residents have expressed their anger on social media at people who continue to flout the new self-isolation and social distancing regulations, with photos having been shared of gatherings at places including Morecambe prom, Williamson Park, Devil's Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale, Glasson Dock and Walling's ice cream.

And police have now said there will be a noticeable increase in police patrols, and anyone not following the guidelines will be spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities.

The Government has this week made new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers to reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives as part of the Coronavirus Act.

Mr Rhodes said: “This is a critical time in the history of Lancashire and we need the help and co-operation of our communities to get through this national emergency.

“We will continue to police by consent and use common sense and understanding but we will take a zero-tolerance approach with people who understand the rules but consciously choose to ignore them.

“During this time you will see an increased visible presence in your communities. We will be patrolling public spaces and engaging with people to make sure they understand the government requirements including the ban on gatherings of more than two people and non-essential journeys.

“If people choose not to comply we will issue fines once they are available for us to use and, if absolutely necessary, arrest people. It’s right that we’re able to enforce the law against those who disregard these measures and put people at risk. The vast majority, however, are complying and we thank them for that.

“These new measures are proportionate and necessary to address the threat this pandemic presents but we will only use them when we need them. We will continue to police by consent where we can and with the trust and help of our communities. We’d also like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules and helping to stop the spread of the virus in Lancashire.”

As part of the new law and to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel if members of the public do not comply the police may:

* Instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse

* Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules

* Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

* Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.

Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the Regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary.

The new legislation also includes the power to take people police suspect have coronavirus to be tested and the power to close or restrict access to any premises.

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Complying with government measures is a huge ask for both the public and policing but we're all in this together. I'd urge people not to put our police under the additional pressure of enforcement. Our officers are needed to fight crime and protect the most vulnerable – please stay at home.

"This is a challenging time for all of us but please be assured that local services are still working hard to support the most vulnerable. Lancashire Victim Services and NEST, supporting young people, remain open with the same commitment to helping people cope and recover after crime.

"I'd like to thank everyone who is heeding the message to stay home. It's tough for us all but we need to pull together and support each other. Adhering to this simple advice will save lives, protect the NHS and keep people in Lancashire safe.

"Police in Lancashire are working to encourage and support our communities to comply with government restrictions. Officers have no desire to use the formal powers but sadly there remains a small minority of people who think the rules do not apply to them and therefore it is only right that police are able to enforce against those who disregard these measures and put people at risk.

"I want to reassure people that officers and staff continue to work around the clock to keep people safe and there for those that need them most, responding to emergencies, serious crime and protecting vulnerable people. You can help police to prioritise and keep people safe by not calling unless it’s an emergency or you need a specific police response."

Officers will be alert to identifying child safeguarding issues, issues of homelessness, and issues linked to domestic abuse. Where these apply, there may be a viable reason why someone can’t return home, or doesn’t have a home to return to. We will consider appropriate support to these groups, and we’ll be engaging multi-agency resources to ensure individuals get the support and safeguarding they need.

Mr Rhodes added: "We will absolutely continue to be there for those that need us – 24/7 responding to emergencies, serious crime and protecting vulnerable people. We are absolutely confident we will continue to have the resources and capability to do this. You can help by only calling us if you really need us. Think carefully before you call 101 – don’t forget you can report crime online at reportitonline.lancashire.police.uk.

“Please don’t call us to ask about the latest government guidance. The best place for the latest information and advice is the gov.uk website – this will help keep phone lines free for people who really need the police to attend.

“We’ve been asked a lot about people travelling to exercise – the rules don’t cover this issue specifically so we will take a common-sense approach. Please bear in mind though that the rules talk about not undertaking any unnecessary travel and we’d ask people to uphold the spirit of that request from the Government.”

To keep up to date with what the police are doing around coronavirus, follow online at www.lancashire.police.uk, on Twitter @lancspolice #COVID19 #StayHomeSaveLives and on Facebook.

You can also sign up to the In The Know community messaging service https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk